As energy costs continue to rise across the Gulf South, home and business owners are increasingly investing in solar energy solutions to augment their properties. When adding solar panels to new builds or to existing structures, it’s always important to consider their compatibility with your roof before moving forward with the project. One common concern is centered around the question: can you install solar panels on a metal roof?
With renewables gaining greater traction with every passing year, it’s important to explore exactly how metal roofs interact with solar panels, what types of mounting systems are most efficient, and how to ensure a successful installation that creates synergy above your building for decades to come.
So, Can You Put Solar Panels on a Metal Roof? Absolutely!
Most property owners interested in energy-efficient design have already explored and capitalized on the outstanding benefits of installing a metal roof on their commercial, agricultural, or residential properties. When looking to add solar panels into the equation, it turns out that metal roofs are among the best types of roofs for solar panel installations.
Why Metal Roofs Are Ideal for Solar Panels
Metal roofs offer several advantages when it comes to solar panel installation as opposed to other roofing materials on the market:
1. Superior Strength and Durability
Because metal roofs are engineered to handle significant weight loads, they’re perfect for buttressing solar panel systems. This structural integrity means your roof can easily support the additional weight of solar panels without compromising its performance, or risking potential damage during installation.
2. Eco-Friendly Synergy
If you’re choosing to go solar purely for environmental reasons, metal roofing makes a great companion technology because of its eco-conscious nature. Metal roofs are often made from recycled materials, and are fully recyclable at the end of their life. The powerful combination of metal roofing and solar panels work hand in hand to maximize your home’s energy efficiency and sustainability.
3. Matching Longevity
By far one of the most notable advantages of combining metal roofs with solar panels is their equivalent lifespans. Quality metal roofing can last 40–70 years, far longer than traditional asphalt shingles (which typically need replacing after 15–25 years).
Solar panels typically have 25–30 year warranties—and can function effectively for much longer than that. These aligned timelines mean you likely won’t need to waste time and money removing solar panels for a roof replacement during the system’s lifetime.
4. Excellent Heat Reflection
Metal roofs naturally reflect heat rather than absorbing it, meaning they can improve overall solar panel efficiency on a day-to-day basis. Though it may seem counterintuitive, solar panels actually work better in cooler temperatures, so the reflective properties of metal roofing can help maintain optimal operating conditions for your panel system.
Can You Put Solar Panels on a Metal Roof of Any Type?
The installation method for solar panels on metal roofs completely depends on the type of metal roofing you have. At Walker Metals, we offer several customizable metal roofing options, each uniquely compatible with solar installations:
Standing Seam Metal Roofs
Standing seam roofs are considered the gold standard for solar installations. The raised seams provide perfect attachment points for solar panel mounting systems without requiring any penetrations through the roof surface. This maintains the roof’s water-tight integrity while providing secure mounting for your panels.
Corrugated and PBR Panel Systems
Corrugated metal and PBR panel systems can also accommodate solar installations, though they require specialized mounting approaches. Professional installers use specialized mounting systems designed specifically for these roof profiles, ensuring secure attachment while maintaining proper water drainage by waterproofing around mount points.
5V Crimp Metal Roofing
This popular roofing style can also support solar panels with the right mounting system. The key is working with installers who understand the specific requirements of your metal roof profile.
Benefits of Solar Panels on Metal Roofs
When thinking beyond the question “can you put solar panels on a metal roof?” property owners may begin to realize that they not only can—but should!
1. Reduced Installation Costs
Installing solar panels on metal roofs is often less expensive than on other roofing materials. For example, standing seam roofs don’t require drilling or flashing so the installation process is typically faster and requires fewer specialized tools and techniques, which translates directly to lower labor costs.
2. Better Water Management
Metal roofs already excel at shedding water quickly, and properly installed solar mounting systems work alongside this natural water flow rather than against it. This compatibility reduces the risk of water damage and maintains your roof’s weather protection capabilities.
3. Enhanced Property Value
The combination of energy-efficient metal roofing and solar panels can significantly boost your property’s value; both improvements are viewed favorably by potential buyers and can increase your home’s value and desirability on the market. A home value study conducted earlier this year posits that homes with solar panels sold for about 6.9% more than their counterparts without.
4. Energy Efficiency Multiplication
Metal roofs help to offset cooling costs by reflecting heat and minimizing heat absorption, while solar panels simultaneously offset electricity usage. Together, these technologies create a powerful harmony that works to reduce your overall energy expenses—a top priority for commercial, residential, and agricultural property owners in the hot, humid summers of the Gulf South.
Important Considerations
While metal roofs are obviously excellent candidates and companions for solar installations, every situation is unique. Variable factors such as roof age and structural condition can play a major role in determining the best approach for your project.
The success of your installation depends not only on the condition but also importantly on the quality of your roof, so be certain you’re only installing your panels on a high-quality metal roof. At Walker Metals, we use only prime roofing materials that are professionally crafted in the USA. This quality foundation ensures your roof will provide reliable support for your solar investment for decades to come.
Both metal roofs and the solar panels that augment them require skilled professionals to provide proper and secure installation. Poor installation of either component can lead to leaks, structural issues, or system failures on either end.
Always work with certified and reputable installers who have specific experience with your type of metal roofing. Finding a source of local expertise is preferable given that these professionals are more familiar with your area and can help you navigate any potential legal obstacles, such as local building codes, zoning laws, and HOA restrictions.
Our climate here in the Gulf South presents unique opportunities and challenges for solar installations on metal roofs. Assuming proper installation procedures have been followed, metal roofs with solar panels are better equipped to withstand the severe weather conditions common in our region, often outperforming solar installations on traditional roofing materials.
Invest in Long-Term Metal Roofing Solutions with Walker Metals
So, can you put solar panels on a metal roof? With a durable, high-quality Walker Metals roof, you absolutely can! If you need a new roof and are considering adding solar panels or want to upgrade your existing roof, metal roofing from Walker Metals provides an excellent foundation that will support your solar investment.
Our standing seam, 5V crimp, and PBR panel roofing options are all solar panel compatible, and backed by comprehensive warranties. Our local experts offer our clients decades of hard-won experience, and are ready to help you navigate the design and installation process end-to-end.
Ready to explore metal roofing options that will support your solar energy goals? Reach out to our team at (225) 791-7791 to discuss your project, or get a free estimate on our website. We’ll help you choose the right metal roofing solution for your solar panels, so that you can enjoy decades of reliable performance from both your valuable systems.
